The OSPI competitive conditional loan is based in part on a series of essay questions the applicant must write and several federal- and state-required demographic considerations. The scoring of the application is done by NBCTs from around the state. While the scores on the essays are important, they are not the sole consideration for the conditional loan.

The 2014-15 conditional loan application has closed. The timeline for the
2015-16 conditional loan application will be posted during the summer.

FAQ

How much is the OSPI conditional loan?
Applicants who qualify for the conditional loan will receive $1,425 toward the $1,900 assessment fee. Loan recipients are responsible for paying $475 for their first component as well as any associated registration fees to NBPTS ($75 annual enrollment fee). OSPI is only able to award loans for the amount of $1,425.

What are the requirements for receiving the loan?
Prior to applying for a conditional loan, a candidate must:

Register with and fully participate in an
OSPI approved cohort. Cohort participation is verified for each component. This includes attending a National Board Foundations course offered through an OSPI approved cohort or WEA Jump Start course.

Register with NBPTS and pay for one component​ prior to January 31st

What is the application process?
The OSPI competitive conditional loan is based in part on a series of essay questions the applicant must write and several federal- and state-required demographic considerations. The scoring of the application is done by committees of NBCTs from around the state. While the scores on the essays are important, they are not the sole consideration for the conditional loan. The loan application is an online application and is available at
https://eds.ospi.k12.wa.us/NBScholarship/.

What are the commitments for receiving the loan?

Candidate must be employed in a Washington state K–12 public or state-approved private school during the 2014-15 year.

Candidate must regularly teach at least one class during the 2014-15 school year that meets the age range and content specifications for the desired certificate area. At least six students must be in the class, with at least 51 percent of the students at the appropriate age level.

Candidate must read the complete text of the
NBPTS standards for the intended certificate Candidate must agree to attend and fully participate in all support meetings and complete the portfolio and assessment center exercises according to published timelines or repay OSPI any fee paid on the candidate’s behalf.

Candidate must have already paid the annual $75 registration fee and $475 for their first component to the NBPTS; fee to support provider according to the provider’s timeline; and the remainder of the NBPTS fee by
February 28th.

Candidate must submit a letter from his or her principal or district administrator supporting the candidate in this endeavor and, wherever possible, specifying resources the school or district will devote to the candidate’s success (time, money, equipment, expertise, building access on weekends, release time, copier, video camera, help with videotaping, postage, videotapes, etc.).

During the loan application process, a candidate is required to submit a letter from his or her principal or district administrator supporting the candidate in this endeavor and, wherever possible, specifying resources the school or district will devote to the candidate’s success (time, money, equipment, expertise, building access on weekends, release time, copier, video camera, help with videotaping, postage, filming, etc.)

Is the conditional loan an interest free loan?
OSPI pays the conditional loan directly to NBPTS on behalf of a loan recipient. This allows for the loan to remain an interest free loan.

How are loans repaid to the state of Washington?
If you are a loan recipient, certify as a NBCT, and you are eligible for the National Board bonus, the loan should automatically be deducted from your first bonus check.

If you are a loan recipient and choose to no longer pursue candidacy, have exhausted your candidacy window, or certify and are not eligible for the bonus, you will be placed in a three year repayment plan with a minimum monthly payment of $50.

Who is eligible to apply for the loan?
Any Washington state teacher meeting the eligibility requirements set by the National
Board for Professional Teaching Standards that are pursuing candidacy for the
first time are eligible to apply for a loan. This includes teachers in private
schools, however, since private school teachers are not eligible for the
National Board bonus and would automatically be placed on a repayment plan. See
“How are loans repaid to the state of Washington?”